CHAPTER I. 
THE PLACE OF THE HOG UPON THE FARM. 
Tu swine industry occupies a rather peculiar position in 
many localities. Swine multiply rapidly and come into use 
for breeding at an earlier age than other farm animals; con- 
sequently, it takes only a short time for farmers to increase 
or decrease their stock, as the case may be. 
The Hog Supply.—When, owing to scarcity in the supply 
of hogs, the price for hogs goes up, we find farmers increasing 
the number of breeding sows, and in a very short tinie the 
supply of hogs coming to market increases to such an extent 
that the price is likely to break. If the decrease in price is 
very severe, the farmer becomes disgusted, and the chances 
are that many farmers will sell their breeding sows and prac- 
tically go out of the business. This unloading process adds 
to the burden of the market, and general demoralization is 
apt to follow. By and by, after the market. has absorbed the 
excessive supplies thrown upon it, a scarcity occurs again, 
owing to so many having gone out of the business of hog 
raising, and prices once more reach a high level. This is a 
signal for farmers to rush again into hog raising, and overstock 
their farms in many cases, so that once more the market 
becomes top-heavy, and the history of the hog market repeats 
itself. 
Now, it is altogether probable that verv few of those who 
were tempted to rush into the business on account of high 
prices obtained any profit from the venture. They paid high 
prices for breeding stock, but by the time thev had hogs ready 
for the market, the decline in prices began, and before they 
were through they were selling their hogs at a loss. 
(3) 
